Snowden spy leaks shook the world, a decade later, what’s changed?
South China Morning Post・2 minutes read
Edward Snowden leaked classified documents in 2013, exposing mass surveillance by the U.S. government on its citizens and globally, leading to debates on privacy and reforms in U.S. surveillance laws. His actions also influenced the development of new privacy-focused products in the tech industry and strained international relations, particularly with China, due to spying allegations.
Insights
- Edward Snowden leaked classified documents in 2013, exposing mass surveillance by the U.S. government on its citizens and globally, leading to heightened privacy debates worldwide.
- Snowden's disclosures prompted legislative changes like the USA Freedom Act, ending bulk phone data collection on non-terrorist Americans, while also fostering the creation of privacy-centric tech products and straining international relations over spying allegations.
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Recent questions
Who is Edward Snowden?
Edward Snowden is a former U.S. government contractor who leaked classified documents in 2013, exposing mass surveillance activities by the U.S. government.
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Summary
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Snowden's Leaks Spark Global Privacy Debate
- Edward Snowden, a former U.S. government contractor, leaked classified documents in 2013, revealing mass surveillance activities by the U.S. government on its citizens and globally.
- Snowden disclosed that the U.S. government collected data on phone calls, emails, and internet activities of individuals, even without suspicion of wrongdoing, with the help of tech companies like Google and Apple.
- The leaks also exposed offensive cyber operations, hacking into foreign governments, and collaboration with security agencies of Australia, Canada, and the UK.
- Snowden's revelations led to increased public awareness and debates on privacy issues globally, sparking what is known as the "Snowden effect."
- The leaks prompted reforms in U.S. surveillance laws, including the USA Freedom Act in 2015, ending bulk collection of phone data on Americans not under terrorist investigation.
- Snowden's actions influenced the development of new privacy-focused products in the tech industry and strained international relations, particularly between China and the U.S., due to allegations of spying.
